Imagine someone telling you for the first time: “Speech is 100% motor.” This simple statement flipped everything I thought I knew about language upside down. For years, I’d approached language as purely mental – a game of vocabulary, grammar rules, and memorization. But that one statement completely shifted my perspective on how we learn and use languages.

I first encountered this concept during an intensive training program, where I was learning to become a Spelling-to-Communicate practitioner under the expert guidance of my mentor. The method, developed by Elizabeth Vosseller, was demanding, but it opened my eyes to a deeper truth: communication isn’t just about what’s in your head—it’s about how your body brings those thoughts to life.

I was introduced to the motor and sensory cortex, and something called the supplementary motor cortex, which is responsible for movement on demand. And that’s the key – movement on demand. To speak, we rely on this intricate system, where sensory, motor, and supplementary cortexes synchronize like a well-rehearsed orchestra, bringing our words to life through our body’s physical actions.

Suddenly, everything clicked for me. I finally understood why I could mentally compose the perfect speech – word for word – yet only a fraction of it would emerge when I spoke. Why? Because language – the thoughts, ideas, and sentences we construct in our minds – is purely cognitive. It resides in the left hemisphere of the brain, in the region responsible for processing ideas. When we listen to others, we activate Wernicke’s area, which helps us understand and process what we hear. But here’s the kicker: when we want to express our ideas, we rely on another region, Broca’s area, which transforms those thoughts into words, ready for expression. These regions communicate seamlessly through a bundle of fibers called the Arcuate Fasciculus, ensuring that our thoughts and ideas are transformed into language we can speak or write.

But, and this is a big but, all of those brilliant ideas remain stuck in our heads until we can physically get them out. And that’s where the motor part comes in. Language is more than mental – it’s motor. Every form of communication – whether speaking, typing, texting, or handwriting – requires movement, often involving fine motor skills like the coordination of our fingers and speech articulators (our mouth, tongue, and lips).

The motor cortex is the brain’s command center for movement, and it works hand-in-hand with the sensory cortex. Why is this relationship so important? Because our senses act as guides, providing feedback to fine-tune the movements our motor cortex is trying to perform. The sensory cortex helps us navigate the world, adjusting our speech and movement based on what’s happening around us.

When I learned that roughly 75% of our motor functions are dedicated to fine motor skills like those needed for speech and writing, it was a lightbulb moment for me. The other 25% handles the larger, gross motor functions like walking or waving. No wonder learning to speak a new language can feel so physically exhausting! We’re literally training our brains and bodies to coordinate these incredibly fine movements, all while juggling unfamiliar sounds and structures.

In retrospect, I wish I had known this back when I was learning English and German. I remember the struggles – the endless assignments, the late nights studying, and the frustration of trying to make myself understood. I didn’t realize back then that every time I picked up a pen to write down a new word or phrase, I was engaging my fine motor skills in a way that would later help me speak. When I stood in front of a mirror practicing pronunciation, adjusting my mouth and jaw to mimic native speakers, I trained the motor cortex to respond to language cues in real time.

Now, as a teacher, I share these insights with my students. I tell them: “Language learning isn’t just about what you know in your head – it’s about what your body can do. Keep a notepad, write things down, and journal in the language you’re trying to learn.” I encourage them to record themselves speaking and to seek out every opportunity to use the language, whether with peers or in their daily lives.

One of the most important lessons I teach them is this: “When it comes to speaking a foreign language, don’t hesitate. If you’re unsure whether to say something, just go for it. Treat it like a physical practice. It doesn’t have to be perfect – what matters is that you’re building the skill.” There’s a misconception that fluency means perfection, but I’ve come to believe that fluency is about flexibility. Language is alive; it’s always changing. Waiting to sound perfect only holds you back from sharing your ideas, your thoughts, and ultimately, yourself. Every conversation is a chance to learn, and by using the language, you’re getting closer to mastering it.

I encourage my students to read and repeat words and phrases in context, absorbing the meaning until it becomes second nature. This way, when they find themselves in a similar situation, their brain automatically retrieves the right response. It’s like muscle memory for speech – a skill they’ve been practicing, even if they didn’t realize it at the time.

Learning a language is both a mental and physical endeavor. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary or mastering grammar – it’s about building new neural pathways, training your brain, and strengthening the connection between your mind and body. And the best part? With practice, anyone can do it.